iPhone X: Hardware Issues & the Device’s Future

In November 2017, Apple rolled out the iPhone X, pronounced the 'iPhone Ten', alongside their other new handsets, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. The iPhone X is the most expensive handset released by the tech giant to-date, and that’s the case regardless of whether you’re buying it outright or taking out a contract. With such a high price tag, you’d be justified for thinking that the device would be free from hardware issues. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

In case you’re the kind of person who wants to have the latest tech, or perhaps if you’re simply looking to upgrade your phone, we’ll look at the raft of problems reported by users, and the future of this device. Given the amount of feedback from customers, we think that it’s important you have all the information necessary to decide whether a purchase you’ve made – or plan on making – is a good one. At least, this way, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on whether to part with your hard-earned cash.

Unresponsive screens

Since the phone's release, some users have reported that the touchscreen can become less responsive, taking longer to perform actions. Reports show that this seemed to coincide with temperature drops in the environment, when going from a hot or warm surrounding into a colder one. Fortunately, this is one of the issues already resolved by Apple’s iOS 11.1.2 update, when the company admitted that sudden drops in temperature could cause a momentary loss of responsiveness. If you own an iPhone X, make sure you download the latest iOS to avoid being affected by this problem.

Buzzing speakers

Another problem that has been reported by users of the iPhone X involves buzzing and distortion coming from the handset's speaker. When being used on a high-volume setting, this issue seems to become more apparent. Though it’s been noted by many users on popular social media sites, Apple haven’t officially admitted to any known faults that could be causing this audio issue. If you notice a buzzing coming from your iPhone X speaker, you might have to hold tight and see if Apple announce a fix (if one exists). Some users have already tried obtaining replacement handsets, only to report the same problem in the replacement device.

Unresponsive Face ID

After Apple released the iOS 11.2 update, some users noticed that Face ID didn’t work on their iPhone X handsets. It seems that the update caused a temporary problem which resulted in Face ID not working, though the fix was a simple reboot. Though this wasn’t a massive issue, it’s not the only issue that was introduced by Apple when they released update 11.2.

The ‘Green Line’ effect

Strangely, some iPhone X users have experienced a problem whereby their phone displays a green line down the side of the screen. Data suggested that at least 25 customers had been affected when this problem surfaced in November 2017, but that’s likely to have risen by now. Apple responded by offering free handset replacements to anybody affected, though it’s still a concerningly widespread issue for an expensive flagship phone.

Inconsistent hardware

Though this isn’t really a software or hardware defect as such, it’s still something worth knowing before you decide to part with your money. Not all iPhone X handsets that come off the production line are using the same hardware. There’s a small difference in the modem being used between certain batches, meaning that on a very small scale, and in specific circumstances, some users will technically have a faster phone than others. Given that the phone costs the same regardless of internal components, save for differences in retailer price, this could be a hang-up for you.

The future of the iPhone X

When Apple released the pricey iPhone X, it was intended to be a game-changer. Instead, there are now plenty of rumours circulating that the phone may be discontinued by Apple, rather than being reduced in price and sold alongside newer models. Sales data has suggested that the phone just wasn’t as popular as might have been expected by Apple and industry analysts. Given the huge price tag – nearing the three-figure mark if bought on release day through a pay-monthly contract – you might not be surprised.

Are you experiencing these issues?

If you’re encountering any of the above issues and would like help with your device, then you can speak to an experienced member of support at WiseGuys, by calling us on 0808 123 2820. Apple sometimes require you to send your device away for investigation, or book an appointment at an Apple support desk, which can often be far away. So, if you’re unsure as to whether you have a genuine issue, we can help you to troubleshoot the problem first; simply give us a call.